Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder – Does Your Child Have It?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD) is much more common in males than females. It affects 3% of American children, most of them boys. The main symptoms of ADHD include hyperactive or distractible behaviour, impulsiveness, inability to control impulses, poor concentration and difficulty sitting still for prolonged periods. There may also be signs of depression and other mental health problems.
No one really understands what causes attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It can run in families, and genetics could be a cause.
There are three types of treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. These include psychostimulants such as Ritalin and Adderall, behaviour therapy, and dietary supplements.
Psychostimulants are the most common form of treatment and they come in many different formulations, including the pill and patch forms. They are often prescribed to treat mild cases of hyperactivity. There are side effects to psychostimulants, including insomnia, appetite loss and weight gain, and they are not recommended to be taken by those with diabetes or liver disease.
Another form of treatment is behaviour therapy. This works by changing the way a child thinks about certain situations. It can also be combined with psychostimulants. This form of treatment is particularly successful in the treatment of children with more severe cases of ADD/ADHD.
The third form of treatment is nutritional supplements. They can be specially prepared to increase the level of neurotransmitters in the brain, which in turn increases focus and helps improve concentration.
It is important to keep track of your child's diet. Some research suggests that too much sugar and fat can cause your child's ADHD symptoms.
If you suspect your child has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, see your doctor. They can do a thorough medical examination and then decide if there is a need for further testing or treatment.
Stimulant medications are usually prescribed after a doctor has tried a number of methods to control hyperactivity. Sometimes it takes a combination of medication and therapy to get results
If medications are prescribed, the doctor's recommendations should be strictly followed. Avoid using any alternative treatments as they may interact with them. Medication is just one of the available forms of treatment.
Behavioral therapy can also be used to treat ADHD. This is a form of therapy that teaches your child how to deal with ADHD symptoms. helping the child understand the symptoms and learn how to deal with them.
It also teaches your child about their environment and behaviors that they can learn to change. for example, how to eat right, when to go to bed and many other habits that have a beneficial effect on his behavior.
Diet can also be important. Eating foods that contain vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other nutrients can help the brain to produce the chemicals that it needs to function properly.
Behavior therapy is recommended for all children with ADHD, including those whose symptoms are mild to moderate. There are some side effects from this form of therapy such as insomnia, moodiness, irritability, and restlessness.
Stimulant drugs may help control ADHD symptoms but they can be addictive and dangerous. It's also important to remember that stimulants have serious side effects.
Natural supplements have no side effects and can be very effective in treating your child's condition. These supplements can help to restore the natural levels of neurotransmitters to normal. without the harmful effects that are associated with stimulants.
Many dietary supplements can be found online and at your local health food store. Be sure to read the label carefully.
Exercise, good nutrition, a balanced diet, and plenty of sleep can help your child live a healthy lifestyle. All of these things together can help a lot to improve your child's symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.